Traveler

The concepts of man verses machine have been around for a long time. Machines provide a great advantage – but with every advantage there is a caveat. Historically the most difficult problems with technology are what we call user error. Perhaps it is amusing but in the history of computers the initial reference to a computer bug was the discovery of a cockroach that had died short-circuiting the computer. In our modern society, as in history, having access to accurate information is critical to solving any problem. Some of the worse disasters in history have come from engineering a solution without engineering possible differences produced by the changes. This problem of a solution becoming worse than the problem has introduced Chaos Theory into the equation. There is another problem that has to do with the news media. Seldon do reporters understand advanced technology sufficiently to be able to report accurately. Having read the article about the case in Korea – I doubt that the reporter has ever observed a palletizer robot. From the description it would seem that the palletizer (box stacker) picks boxes from a conveyor. If box size are known there is little reason to justify the expense of size and weight sensors on the conveyor. If anyone was to Google a robotic palletizer they would see that there are obviously places for humans to avoid when the palletizer is in operation. My consulting was mostly directed towards silicon fabrication. Silicon boxes contain a number of silicon wafers (boxes often valued around 1 million $$). These boxes are stored in what is called a stacker (similar to an ASRS but much smaller). Highly trained operators will manually get and input boxes into and from a stocker at highly sensitive ports. 90% of the problems at these ports occur when operators attempt to circumvent the sensors for various reasons. Perhaps it is only once a month there is a problem but realize that a problem will cost a minimum of a million dollars, and you can understand why there is much attention to this – yet this is perhaps one of the most critical points in silicon fabrication. With A I and self-driving cars it would be possible to have intersections where vehicles passed through at 60 mph missing other cars by inches. Obviously, this would not be a good place for manually driven cars – let alone pedestrians. It would also be a soft target for terrorism. It is my personal belief that as technology increases it is of necessity that social behaviors, of necessity, must also become more defined and refined. One of the theories why we have not found any intelligent life (as we know it) anywhere else in the universe other than earth is that civilizations with advancing technology destroy themselves; especially if their technology is advancing without advancing social behaviors directly reverent and concurrent to continuing the species. It is my theory that monetary and personal pleasure-seeking gratification tendencies are the greatest threat to the human species of our modern age – more than nuclear war or global climate change. It is also my impression that our latter-day prophets primary warning is directed towards declines in personal interactions with one another of our same species. I do not believe we can engeneer our tech as a solution to human interface problems The Traveler

Obviously, you do not know much about industrial automation. An ASRS that carries a three-ton load runs on the same track as a freight train. The bay in which the ASRS operates is fenced off and locked during operation with signs everywhere saying do not enter without following power off and equipment lock down procedures. Operators spend weeks of training before being allowed any where near the equipment. An operator works from a control room and monitors a variety of automated equipment. Since the equipment is automated – their job is the redundant eyes to check for possible unforeseen anomalies that could result from various automated (including sensor) misfunctions. The bay in which the ASRS operates in is called the kill zone for the equipment for good reason. It is not a matter of a “mistake” but rather a knowledgeable and deliberate violation of rules and protocols. Various sensors (including your suggestion) must be disabled for the operator to get into the bay area. I will not pretend to understand certain human thinking and responses to what I see as obviously stupid. I do not know how else to phrase this – perhaps Darwin said it best with the simple phrase, “Survival of the fittest”. Even G-d cannot make the universe fool proof – Satan is the example that disproves all the possible fool proof theories. The Traveler

I recall an effort to give what were called the Darwin Awards to foolish (stupid) things people do that end up killing or seriously harming themselves. Stupid is a word that has meaning – perhaps I can give some examples: Like playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded revolver with a hair trigger. Like jumping of a 3,000-foot cliff thinking that if enough panic sets in your superpower will kick in so you can fly. Like taking an iron bar with you riding a motorcycle thinking that in an emergency while ridding at a high rate of speed you can use the iron bar as an emergency stopping device by sticking it in the front wheel spokes of your motorcycle. Or when driving your car at night that when you approach an open intersection there is no need to slow down – rather turn off your headlights to see if a car is coming from the crossway direction (thinking they will not ever think the same way and turn off their headlights as well). I recall one Darwin Award given to a guy that had his headlights go out while driving his pickup truck. He was smart enough to realize that the reason the headlights went out was because of a burned-out fuse. He also was stupid enough to replace the fuse with a 22 bullet that fit in the fuse place. When the bullet went off it shot him, causing him to panic and drive off a bridge. Often in my business I would be asked about making something fool proof. My response was always – making something fool proof is impossible because fools (stupid people) are way to cleaver. The basis of all this is in the thinking of what to do when something goes wrong in an automated (A I) system. I was often asked what I recommended. My response was, “What do you want to happen? Do you want a human to intervein, or do you want your automated system to resolve the question?” I would put forth that the worse possible outcome will come as an attempt to mix human intervention (input) with intended automated operations. One last point – I realize that some think that calling something stupid is name calling of some specific individual. I have not called anyone stupid – rather I leave such thinking up to individuals to judge themselves and their own thinking process. If they are willing to put themselves and others at deadly risk – I cannot think of a better word to express such an effort. The Traveler

I have heard this argument often by many people and I could not disagree more with such an illogical argument or thinking process. I would put forth that the only possibility of humans making a law concerning anything is that the law being made, is made based upon the morals of such human society. Regardless of what some people think, it is not possible for humans to pass a law to change the universal gradational constant, the second law of thermodynamics, the value of pi or that neutrinos phase over time into different types of neutrinos – to name a few examples. Thus, I put forth that the only possibilities of laws capable by humans are extensions of human morals. I challenge anyone to demonstrate a human law that does not have some basic relationship to human morals. That, in fact, the only realistic argument concerning any law is – what segment or portion of human society has the right to make their morals into laws. Heaven forbid that some human society decide that the only laws that ought to be passed, must of necessity, be immoral. Also concerning the rights of a unborn child – the onus of such a proof in the framework of justice has the primary burden of proving that a unborn child is not human life – not the other way around. For example, a person with serious handicap – it is not the onus in the law to prove that such handicap (including someone completely unresponsive and in a coma) renders them no longer human assuming somehow that there is a point that human life defined by genetics - is no longer human. The Traveler

I see in the news where a person in South Korea was killed by an industrial robot. Link https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-world/man-crushed-death-industrial-robot-confused-box-police Since this was my life’s profession and consulting business, I have had discussions with plant managers and others about the “kill zones” of robots. Sadly, I am aware of several robot kills – some so foolish and stupid it is hard to imagine what people were thinking. One of the saddest was a worker that disappeared for a week before he was discovered crushed by an ASRS robot. He had observed the robot and thought it had a flaw not using a particular location in an ASRS rack. ASRS stands for automated storage and retrieval system. He placed a matrass in the location and took naps – until a 3-ton load was placed there by the robot while he was sleeping on the job. One of the great problems with A I and robots is when humans attempt to interface outside of robotic design or mix human intelligence with what is intended for A I. I believe there will be a great advantage to have A I controlled transportation vehicles but what is left out of the notion of cars that will drive themselves is the mixing of humans with A I on the same roads. Because of what I call the kill zone of robots – I do not believe that human interference is a good idea – kind of like using human fingers to change gears in the gear box of a car. Any human doing that kind of thing will likely lose their fingers. As advanced as we may think our society is – there are a lot of stupid humans that must need be removed from the gene pool before we will be ready for what A I and automation is bringing. The Traveler

I thought I would respond to this particular argument. I was raised with the concept that nothing is really yours unless you are willing to be responsible and take care of it. Beyond what I was taught by my goodly parents, I believe that there is legal precedence that backs this concept. I am not a legal expert and perhaps @Just_A_Guy can better respond, but I believe that there are numerous ordinances that negate ownership where what is being is not properly cared for. I can give several examples: Growing up my father owned a lot of property – some of which was not developed. He owned a road on one of his pieces of property that others would use (the only means at the time to their property). My father had to prove that he was caring for and properly controlling the road or he would lose ownership of it. Another example are squatters recently in the news that have taken control of property belonging to others and because of legal conditions the owners of the property have lost control. In addition, I know of situations where someone owns a building lot but had decided not to build anything for a while. However, they had not taken care of the property and refuse to make sure that things like hazards (example fire hazards) are cared for and have lost ownership of the property. Another example are parents that neglect their children have not only lost their children and had them taken away but have been punished and gone to jail. My final example is that as much as a person thinks they “own” their body – it is illegal for them to commit suicide – even suicide by neglect. Much more if they endanger other human life. There are various levels of such legal precedence that define legal conservatorships. I would argue that there are consequences for how a person care for whatever it is that they think they own. I would argue that when an embryo reaches the 3rd trimester of pregnancy that by definition of law such is not a “thing” nor a “parasite” nor even something that they individually “own” but human life. That by scientific reason and proof, should be defined as human life and has sufficient rights to negate abortion on demand by those neglecting their condition. The Traveler

I started a thread about republicans overrating themselves and the topic of abortion was mentioned in the thread. I did a search of the forum for the topic abortion and only found the above-mentioned thread – I thought to start a thread on this topic – but decided to place this topic under “General Discussion”. Some Thoughts: It is my understanding that with the Supreme Court ruled that during the first trimester a human embryo cannot be scientifically proven to be human life. This would imply that only during the first trimester should there be any possibility that abortion on demand be legalized. Under the constitution human life is legally protected as an inalienable right – of course with a few exceptions – such as the protecting of other human life. I have always thought that picking the low hanging fruit first is always the best idea. I believe that a case should be argued before the supreme court that in the third trimester – a normal healthy human embryo is human life and cannot be scientifically separated as different from any scientific definition of regular human life. As we scientifically study the universe it is becoming apparent that the rarest entity in the universe according to current science – is life as we know it here on earth. This would imply that intelligent life comparable to human life as we know it here on earth is even more rare – especially considering how long and under what extreme conditions were required for such evolution here on earth. It is widely considered immoral to the point of being critical to threaten life here on earth because of economic pressures of energy use. Why is it not considered immoral to abort human life based on nothing more than human pleasures and desires. Especially when abortion on demand has become so widely spread that the Chaos theory models indicate that widespread abortion would have a greater evolutionary effect (destructively) on human life than the climate change Chaos theory models. Mother nature teaches us that there are natural circumstances that results in the abortion of a human embryo. I am not sure that the sin of abortion is the same as the sin of murder, especially concerning the psychological setting of many females that face a pregnancy alone, without the support of the father or a society that shuns that female from giving birth. That and also that we live in a free society where the public has the responsibility of the law – I prefer that democracy and majority rule be the primary engine of law rather than any interested minority. But then with all that said – considering how rare human life is to this universe – I seriously wonder about the intelligent capability of a human that wants to destroy that life form in this universe that is genetically most connected to and like them. The Traveler

Thank you for your response A bit explaining the last paragraph -- 12th Article of faith - explained more in D&C 134 (more specificially verse 5: The Traveler

This off year election has demonstrated that Republicans over rate themselves – either that or they have not learned to count ballots yet. There is no way the front runner Republican will win the president election next year. At best the front runner only draws less than 60% of the republican voters and I doubt that they could draw 5% of non-republican voters. With all the problems in the Democratic party this gives them control of the federal government. Obviously, the pendulum is not yet swinging. Is this a sign of the times? As members of the Church – are you going to sustain your elected officials? The Traveler

I have not seen the movie, but I know about both the science of such possibilities as well as the efforts in religion to attempt to prove something with faulty logic. In essence, if you are going to use faulty evidence (and logic) then, it is of necessity, that you appeal to what your targets want very much to believe. Needless to say, I do not believe in near published death experiences. I believe that it is possible to receive visions and revelations into what follows after death. But I do not believe that G-d provides such information for publication of revelation to rival scripture and divine prophetic utterances. Having experienced an near death experience myself – I do not believe in any of the published accounts of such things that I have encountered. The Traveler

If you think that DST is confusing here on earth – think how it would be, even in heaven and knowing the future of all things; how confusing it would be if by some stroke of luck (or time) that the second coming ended up when all the clocks are being reset to account for DST. Then along with all the time zones and the international date line. It would be impossible, even for G-d to prophesy the proper hour and day. The Traveler

During my youth I joined the army so that I could serve a mission. I did not like the army very much. Many of my life’s saddest and most difficult experiences happened during and because of being in the military. Yet, that experience had a great deal in making me into a better person – not so much for my self but for others. Being in the military was really the first time in my life that I realized that my survival in life was linked to and dependent on others around me. The corollary was also true – that the survival of those around me was also dependent on my performances specifically as a sacrifice for those around me – even and especially at the peril of my own life and survival. But there was something else I learned. When a unit (group of individuals) is developing a morale problem it has been established in the annals of military history that the best solution and means to strengthen morale is to increase the regimentation of that unit. This is why the military has a uniform that were worn exactly the same, why we were “forced” to make our beds exactly the same, why our foot lockers were required to have the same stuff organized and placed in the lockers with uniform exactness and it is why we had to march around in unison and respond together to commands as a unit. I learned that no matter how good you are about anything yourself – you are better when that effort is expressed and accomplished in a group working together as a unit. It is also much more exciting and rewarding to accomplish something with others. Though I am not an expert trained in psychology, I believe that a partner of misery and depression is loneliness. Though I very much enjoy being by myself – especially with nature --- which is one of the reasons I enjoy cycling and skiing. And yet my greatest joy are the accomplishments achieved with others. So I wonder if even the problem of clinical depression is triggered because of loneliness and not realizing and being part of the success and achievements of others. The Traveler

Welcome to the forum. I am a great believer in agency. If you have determined to use your agency to avoid a mission that is your choice. I do find it rather odd that you want to discuss this matter of a mission with a bunch of people on the internet that you do not know and that know nothing about you. I would think if you wanted to build a life around being physically fit that you have options, but you did not mention an interest in any of those options. If you are excelling in sports and can see yourself through to becoming a professional athlete, then I would say go for it. If not, perhaps you ought to think about the military – there are many options in the military from special forces to combat paramedic. If you want fitness, you have many options that you can do and still serve a mission. I am a cyclist and a skier. My mission allowed (required) me to ride a bicycle – which I took seriously and got a speeding ticket ridding a bicycle on my mission. I did have an opportunity to try out for the US ski team but decided to maintain an amateur status and become a scientist instead. I am 77 and still ski and cycle. Two years ago, I had a serious accident competing as a cyclist and had to promise my eternal partner (wife) that I would quit competing. It is interesting that close to 90% of those I competed against 50 years ago are either dead or can no longer ski or cycle. Whatever you decide about what you want to do with your life – I would suggest that you also have a plan B, C … perhaps many, even to ZZ. Life has a way of changing your life for you – and it is always a possible that you may change your mind again. I served a mission. It was a significant sacrifice to serve but I was willing to plan and save for a mission (I did not require anyone else to contribute). Serving a mission was one of my greatest accomplishments. Most all other significant accomplishments came after my mission (with a few exceptions) and I would not trade my mission experience. A mission is something I do not regret and would definitely choose again and again. But I would not recommend a mission to anyone, unless it is important enough to them to make a significient sacrifice to accomplish. The Traveler

You are correct concerning Jerusalem but there were Jews in northern Israel under Herod. The Traveler

Something else that I would add to this thread to understand the rhetoric that we are hearing and who is saying what - indicating to which side of the war they have leanings. One of the things I learned during my military training and again over and over in life is that those fighting on the front lines are the best experts in requesting what is needed most to win the conflict at the front lines. The reason I bring this up is because Israel is saying that they need to continue their aggressive actions to overtake Hamas. What Hamas says that what they need most, at this time, is a pause or period of cease fire. Those calling for the continued aggressive actions of Isarel are the supporters of Isarel and their fighters in the conflict. Those calling for a pause of cease fire are supporters of Hamas and their fighters in the conflict. I believe that the scriptures prophesy that at the end of times the entire world – nations of the world - will all turn against Israel and that they would stand alone in conflict with the world. In previous conflicts, I did not understand how it was that all the nations of the world would end up supporting the enemies of Israel. The Traveler

I would point out that the concept of Near Eastern Suzerian Vassel treaties and law is not a concept of mine but rather well established and documented work of scholars on the subject. Two such scholars that have had impact on my thinking are Ivan Engnell and F. C. Fensham. They point out the relationship of an Suzerain (Supreme ruler or king) and their Vassel in kingdoms of Near Eastern societies are based on what was believed to be the rule of heaven of G-d (El) and his appointed rulers. All the titles of the Suzerain are given to the appointed Vassals. It is interesting to me that in dealings within the public arena that the appointed Vassel would speak in the first person as though they were the Suzerain. Historical documents in ancient Near Eastern governments reflect the relationship of the Vassel to the Suzerain the parallel the claims the Jesus made concerning his Father. This is why within the Gospel of John the Jews accused Jesus of blasphemy and making himself G-d. A Vassel would claim that they and the Suzerain are one and the same. That they were “one” with the Suzerain. There is something else that is recorded in scripture and that is the reference in the prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane that those that believed on Jesus would become one with Jesus and His (our) Father in heaven. This is a most unique thought that I find expressed only in the LDS theology. I will give another such example in scripture that took place at the trial of Jesus when the Jews cried out that they had no King but Cesar. This was called out as a rejection of Jesus and his teaching that he was one with a higher authority, mainly G-d. But one could ask the question of the Jews claiming they had no King but Cesar – who then was King Herod? The answer would be the king that was appointed by Cesar the proclaimed Suzerain of the Roman empire. Thus this declaration was also a rejection by the Jews that G-d was not their king nor was any descendent of David. The Traveler

We could, perhaps, say the same of the Nazis and the SS and their supporters, in WWII. The Traveler

Things to know about our military and the Middle East that (in my opinion) are not correctly identified in US news organizations: 1. Iran is not Arabic – it is Persian. Within Islam is the idea that the Arabic language is divine, and the descendants of Abraham (Arabic) are essential to the connection of Islam to Allah and that the rest or the world (non-Arabic) is “dependent” on the leadership and spiritual enlightenment of a “True Arab” connection. 2. Iran is mostly Shia, and all of its leaders are Shia Muslims. Sauda Aribia is Sunni and controls most of the wealth and holy sites of Islam. If the entire world were Muslims, the Shia and Sunni are such rivals that they would be at war against each other. 3. The only prevention of full-blown conflict in Islam is the prophetic Jihad against the “Great Satan”, which Satan, by prophesy, is best identified by the infliction of economic captivity through the use of compound interest-based banking. This goes much deeper but will for now suffice. 4. Hamas is a Sunni based organization. There is no way that Iran can control all of Hamas’s strings. They may offer some supplies but there is no way that Iran would trust them with their “best” armaments and no way the rest of the Sunni would allow Shia control of a Sunni organization. Hamas is not an Iranian proxy. At best Iran will see Hamas as disposable pawns in a much more important game strategy. 5. Hezbollah, to the north of Israel, is Shia and is why they are better armed and controlled by Iran. If and when Hezbollah becomes involved, we will know that Iran if fully committed and controlling. As long as Hamas is the primary entity of the conflict someone other than Iran is pulling the primary proxy strings. 6. It is my personal opinion that the military utilized by the current administration are incompetent or have designs contrary to our constitution. Case in point is their insistence that prior to implantation of US exit strategies that they insisted that the Taliban were not strong enough to take over Afghanistan for months or even years. They also insisted that Ukraine would fall to Russia with 72 hours. 7. Something about military experts appearing on various US news outlets. Individual accolades are worn on the left side of the military uniform. Unit citations are worn on the right side and are much harder to come by. It is rare for someone to be awarded even one unit citation. Seldom will someone with more than 2 ever appear in public to offer opinions. Yet these individuals are the most competent in analyzing intelligence and knowing the best responses – which is most likely why they have such citations. None of the first line commanders that advise the President and the current administration have unit citations (with the possible exception of one that is rarely quoted or referenced). The Traveler

I disagree – I had a friend that was a POW in Vietnam (north). His conditions were far more awful as a POW. I recall being with him after his escape while the war was still going on. He could not sleep at night and would dive to the ground if a muffler was too laude, but he had little desire for revenge of his captors. Though life was still difficult for him, he had no desire for war or violence and would rather be abused than abuse. It is wrong to be driven more by circumstance than what is just and true. The Traveler

War is horrible. Always has been horrible and always will be horrible. I have contemplated that all war is an extension of the war of heaven started during our pre-existence. However, I have not been able to reconcile my own experiences with war. It is difficult for me to reconcile the deliberate killing of anyone – especially someone that has the opportunity to still repent – and we all have the opportunity to repent – even those not currently interested. The greatest problem with war is the killing of those that are innocent but lets us not forget about the lives of those that fight in wars. The engine of war is mostly in the leaders that direct the war efforts and the reasons for directing such efforts. Two elements, anger and revenge are the most common outcomes of conflict that brings violence to the table that is the cause of all the sorrows of war. I believe that anger and revenge are the elements that, while they exist will perpetrate and continue war until all that harbor such emotion are dead. I have some experience with anger and revenge and have learned that such emotions can never be quenched. The more one wins or looses the more pronounced such emotions will grow. Of all the possible emotions a person can feed these are the most illogical and self-destructive. Hate and anger will destroy those that allow such emotions long before (if ever) it will harm anyone that has overcome hate and anger. The most just anger and revenge seems the more self-destructive it will be. Of all the posters on this forum – I would consider @mirkwood the most expert in dealing with violence fomented by anger and revenge. I do not know but I would guess that he would say that an argument has gone too far when one person physically assaults (by touching) another. In a society of free speech – what a person says is (for the most part) legal. The first to shove or otherwise physically assault is the first guilty. After the first act of violence, it becomes hard (perhaps impossible) to distinguish self-protection from attacking the other. Some of this can be learned from raising you own children – but you must have more than one child to discover this problem. I think both sides ought to make their concerns known here in the USA – because we believe in freedom of speech. I am aware of an Islamic child killed by his landlord – I believe that to be sick and wrong and do not think that is an exercise of freedom of speech. Likewise, I do not think posters of those harmed by violence is a violation of freedom of speech, but I do believe taking down such posters are. It does appear to me that supporters of Hamas are more driven with heighten anger and revenge than supporters of Israel – outside of the conflict itself, considering what is happening at demonstrations and especially among those that are fearful to demonstrate. I remember after 9/11 that many of my Muslem friends were afraid to even leave their homes. Currently, it seems that my Jewish friends are the more afraid. I would ask – which of the demonstrators nearest to you – if you are not Jewish or Islamic – would you fear to criticize for their anger and revenge? The Traveler

Two comments: First. I drive a 94 GMC Suburban and a Trek Madone (the current going value has the Trek worth more than the Suburban but the Suburban still gets 18 to 20 mpg runs like new (never replaced the engine or trans) and will pull our river running equipment (5,000 lbs trailer). Replacing the Suburban makes no cost sense. I can purchase a lot of gas for costs of replacement. I need to do some upgrades to the Trek – front and rear crank and gear set. I put more miles on the Trek than the Suburban. Second. As to the op of this thread. There are no problems with any church, business or organization – only the people that run them and implement policy. What I have learned over the years is that the great mistake of Churches or people in a church is to focus on “converting” everybody. Many years ago, I read a little book by an Atheists philosophically critical of Christianity. I have forgotten the author and the title of the book, but I remember two criticisms. He compared Christians to a gaggle of ducks that waddle around in the mud by a pond for 6 days and then on the 7th day the ducks would waddle through the mud to get to gather to talk about flying for a few hours then waddle back through the mud to their muddy place by the pond to waddle in the mud for 6 more days before waddling through the mud to get together to talk again about flying. The other criticism was that Christians are obsessed with heaven and making sure that they get there, but they have no idea what heaven is, what it is like or what they will do if and when they finely get there. The Traveler

The Traveler

A story about war. As a youth, the bishop in my ward was a tank commander during WWII. Most (all) of his action was in Africa and Italy. When his campaign began there were over 50 tanks in his battalion. At the end of the war, of the original number, two remained – one was his. Many were lost because of lack of supplies. Men were lost from battle, dehydration and starving. In Italy, when word reached them that that war had ended, my bishop was separated from his unit with a broken-down tank that he was working on in the rain with his fellow tank crew attempting to get it operational. His uniform was torn and dirty with mud. He hadn’t had a change for over a month and hadn’t had a real meal – just field rations for weeks. My bishop recalled that a jeep stopped on the road and a young private got out of the jeep in a clean and pressed uniform with shinney new boots. The private jumped from clumps of grass to clumps of grass avoiding getting muddy until he arrived at the tank and gave my bishop orders to immediately go home – then reversed his course jumping on clumps of gras to reach his jeep, then drove away. Recalling this incident my bishop later remarked that he had often thought about that young private and that, that young man most likely had a much different opinion and view about the war than him. Though I never saw combat action while I was in the army during the Vietnam era. I knew many that were in combat and some that I considered good friends that were killed. I never knew of anyone concerned about international law or war crimes when it came to combat action. Seldom (never) would anyone talk about the details of their combat experience. I used to be an avid hunter and thought it fun and exciting to kill things. I do not hunt anything anymore. I have determined that I would rather be killed by a thief than to kill one, but this does not mean that I will not. The only people that I know that will criticize the actions of anyone in combat that is in combat for liberty, is someone that has never been in combat. Those that willingly face combat always think their cause is just. If I understand the prophesies correctly concerning the violence that will be poured out upon the world and even the Saints of G-d during the final events of the “Last-days” – everyone will have the opportunity to experience some level of bloodshed – one way or another. How prepared are you if what we are hearing of now is the beginning of what has been prophesied – in particular what is given in the Book of Mormon specific to the Saints. Will we remain calm and wait upon the L-rd. I pray I can. The Traveler

Before I get into the heart of my intent of this post – I first want to thank and recognize those that are not LDS for their contributions. Other perspectives are critical to my understanding of things – especially things taking place in various societies during these “Last-days”. Though there are critical differences in understanding of LDS and those not of our theology – there is great need for inspired individuals that are influenced directly by that member of the G-dhead (element of the Trinity if you will) that is recognized as the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit. Thank you for being here and sharing your insights. The name of our LDS church is, “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This title designates two parts of both ownership and participation in the Church. The official and legal ownership and participation the Church is jointly held by Jesus Christ and his covenant Saints. The covenant Saints are call Latter-day Saints to distinguish the covenant Church or “Kingdom” of G-d on earth for the last time – according to the plan of G-d. At the core of this organization is the exact same core organization that Jesus organized and established when he walked and taught while he lived among mankind. That is 12 Apostles and a presidency of 3 (a presidency patterned after the presidency of Heaven) to teach and prepare a priesthood class to fulfill the organization which is directed to include every individual covenant family unit of the Church organization. The cycle of covenant families of Saints throughout history has (as testified to and prophesied by Isaiah) been a constant struggle between apostasy and restoration of the laws, ordinances and covenants – which initially were first established with Adam and Eve when they were driven out from Eden. Scriptures were recorded to testify and prophesy of the struggles of apostasy and restoration throughout the covenant generations established since Adam and Eve to this time, the last days. This is the last time that the Church of Jesus Christ will be established among mortal mankind. It is the last refuge for the Saints of G-d to establish a covenant with G-d and raise up and ensign unto the nations of the world. The most critical covenant of G-d is called the New and Everlasting Covenant. This covenant seals in heaven the covenant of marriage that the Saints of G-d have been given in mortality here on earth. To prepare the Saints of G-d for this New and Everlasting Covenant, G-d has given preparatory covenants of Chastity, Love and care of others, tithes and offerings, Word of Wisdom and others. Jesus prophesied that in the last days that the virtuous Saints of G-d that were waiting upon him would be divided (the parable of ten virgins) and that some (half) would not have prepared themselves by covenant (oil for lamps) – indicating that even among the Saints of G-d that there would be a great challenge of covenant. Here is a link to the Proclamation given by G-d through his presidency of 3 and his Apostles in 1995 (almost 30 years ago): https://site.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world/the-family-a-proclamation-to-the-world?lang=eng The Traveler

Since I was in the military during the Vietnam conflict, I have developed some ideas about war. In our history we have not been kind to civilians during war. During our Civil War the citizens of Missouri were among the worse treated (perhaps a reason the LDS left or because the LDS left). War crimes had not been defined – that would be left for the Nuremberg trials. I would point out that Dresden Germany was not firebombed for military targets. Neither were Nagasaki or Hiroshima. As for Vietnam, there was one major railroad, one industrial area and one primary agriculture area in North Vietnam that provided the food needed for the population. The Vietnam conflict could have been won in a week if the bombing of North Vietnam had been strategic to the infrastructure. The idea that we bombed the heck out of North Vietnam is a farce – had we dumped the same weight in sand in the Haiphong Harbor we would have done more damage. I submit that Vietnam was fought over control of the rubber industry – which in the end made not difference at all. I agree that war is horrible, but I have come to believe it is more horrible to fight a war without an intent to end the conflict (win the war). I am of the mind that since WWII there has been a lack of intent to end conflicts – mostly blamed on humanitarian reasoning. Which looks to me to be worse than not being involved, fighting, at all. It does seem to me that this current conflict in Israel is somewhat of a turn of the tides of war. The USA is no longer feared, nor are we a country united to put an end to anything. I speculate that we are entering an era of conflict that will be waged, at least in part, on our own soil. Things are not happening now as I though things would just 5 years ago. My impression is that things are changing and what and where we thought things would be safe (seemingly for the Latter-day Saints) – appear to me to be at more at risk than ever before and that the prophesies of the Last-days are being fulfilled. Perhaps we will learn what it means that the righteous need not fear. The Traveler